19/08/08

I Wish You Would

Now whilst we may have been neglecting our little site of late due to a hectic summer, some blogs just keep bringing the goodness. Not least Matthew Africa's blogspot - which this week alone has given me a whole new education in Gospel music. Matthew is one of those dudes with both untestable knowledge of all things good - whether it's a rare soul album, or a Big Mike album track - and even better he's prepared to share this with all of us! Good work old boy! Check it people.

10/08/08

TRILL LONDON...is coming.

For all you lovers of that true Southern and West Coast hip-hop, right through from the classics to the current smashes, then YOUR night is arriving soon.Seriously, this is gonna be the one. All you need to do for now is check out here and keep September 3rd free in your diary...more details to follow.

4/08/08

Biggie, Biggie, Biggie...

For those of you uninitiated to Paul Rosenberg and Cipha Sounds Juan Epstein podcast go and check it out at Rosenberg's site. Even better, this weekend they've upped the original demo version of 'Ready To Die' including stuff like the Premo mix of 'Machine Gun Funk'. You just know you've got to check this out. Do it here!

- Rob

2/08/08

Ultimate Ultimate Ultimate!

Okay...so it's finally here and can be found in record stores and on websites throughout the land like this one! The reaction to the CD has been phenomenal and Superix' epic mix is fast becoming the new standard bearer for the genre - so you know what to do!

- Rob

25/07/08

Southern Hospitality Tonight (Friday 25th July) at the Social Bar

Its the last Friday of the month which means its once again time for Southern Hospitality at the Social. Celebrate the fact you have no more work for the next 2 days (for most of us anyway) with Superix & Rob Breezy for an evening of summer classics & block party anthems to get your summer weekend party started right!

So join us from 6pm onwards, we'll be there all the way 'till 1am.

Its free to get in - so all we ask is your presence - where else can you go for that on a friday?!

- Superix

16/07/08

HHK Tomorrow!!

Our first time back at The Social since the incredible Glastonbury shows - and we're ready as ever. Gonna be a good one. As ever - all the details are here. See you from 7pm!

- Rob

14/07/08

Downloads For Days...

Well...enough to take you through about a day for sure in our revamped download section - see link above. There's everything from the classic 'BBQ Bangers' mix to the 'Huntsville Alabama' mix to Rix's 'Hits you Missed 2007' to the super-extended 2 hour '1Xtra Mix' - with all the others inbetween. Also, persuse the blog for extra mixes like the 'No Fear For The Future' and 'Real Man Music' live mixes - which like the others are all FREE!

Upcoming mixes to look for are the second parts to the Huntsville mix and the Real Man Music companion - 'The Return To Real'. We're also gonna hit you with another installment of 'Coast to Coast' - Volume 3 - as we've had such a great response on those.

Anyway, help yourselves and holler with any feedback - we always appreciate it - or if you need a finished copy of 'BBQ Bangers', 'Rappers...', 'Coast To Coast' or 'The Hyphy Life'

Until the next...

- Rob

14/07/08

A.B.N.

Now we don't normally condone asshole behaviour (pause) at Southern Hospitality - but when it's the name of Z-Ro and Trae's group we make an exception. For those still sleeping on both Joseph and The Truth, then get acquainted. Otherwise peep their new group album 'It Is What It Is'on July 15th - one we'll be purchasing for sure, not to mention the new Z-Ro album 'Crack' following hard on the heels in August. Away from the ATL, the underground South is still quietly leading the pack with Houston, 'Bama and Louisiana pumping out the quality releases - so recognise. P.S.A. over - go check.

- Rob

12/07/08

Forget Letterman...

...check out this interview with DJ Superix aka my brother from another mother - where he talks about his musical history, his musical loves and of course...DJ Quik!Seriously, this is a dope, detailed interview from a cool-ass blog who clearly recognise the talent of Superix - so peep it here!

ALSO...we're only a couple of days away from the official release of 'Ultimate, Ultimate, Ultimate' - Rix' epic mix of EVERY GODDAMN BREAK from the original Ultimate Breaks and Beats series! If you can't wait however - get it here or here right NOW!

Until the next...

- Rob

9/07/08

A Change Of Pace...

It's a (very) rainy Wednesday - and it's all about Slow Motion (props to Codie G) right now. I'm on a steady diet of Trae, UGK, G-Side, deep soul music and this mix I did a week or so ago...

‘Real Man Music’ – Compiled and Mixed By Rob Pursey

‘So In Love With You’ – Leroy Hutson

‘Sara Smile’ – Hall and Oates

‘You’re My Inspiration’ – Chicago

‘Why Can’t We Be Lovers (Original Version)’ – Lamont Dozier

‘Sadie’ – The Spinners

‘Reasons’ – Maze

‘Teardrops’ – The Intruders

‘This Broken Heart’ – Funkadelic

‘If Leaving Me Is Easy’ – Phil Collins

‘I Won’t Hold You Back’ – Toto

‘Cuddle Up’ – Dennis Wilson

‘If Only For One Night’ – Luther Vandross

‘Marlene’ – Todd Rundgren

‘Celebrate Me Home’ – Kenny Loggins

‘Baby I’m For Real’ – The Originals

‘Cause I Love You (Full Version)’ – Lenny Williams

‘That’s The Way I Feel About’Cha’ – Bobby Womack

‘The Makings Of You’ – Curtis Mayfield

‘Travelling Boy’ – Art Garfunkel

It's FREE and it's definitely REAL.

Cop it here

That's my word

- Rob

2/07/08

Hiatus (Remix)

So after family bereavements, hard-drive crashes, holidays to Miami and an epic weekend in Glastonbury - we're finally back! In fact check out the fun we had at the weekend here courtesy of the good old BBC! We were on their coverage just before Hov himself.

This month is busy as ever with Southern Hospitality returning to The Social on the 25th as well as Hip Hop Karaoke London a week earlier on Thursday 17th.

Until then...

- Rob

17/06/08

Mix News

So...'Ultimate Ultimate Ultimate' is getting pressed and ready to go. Can't wait. Get down to your local HMV for the definitive guide to the blueprint of hip-hop. Also, the 'BBQ Bangers' mix is proving to be the hit of the summer. If you want a hard-copy - holler at us! You know where we are. Upcoming we've got some gems too, including my 'Real Man's Music'...but more on that soon. Until then - bang that BBQ.

- Rob

16/06/08

You want Beef?

Then check out my first annual Beef Report in this months HHC Find out the real story behind that Lil Wayne v Clipse Beef, the reason G-Unit made 'Elephant In The Sand' about poor Joey and just why any Joe Budden beef just isn't worth concerning yourself with. Enjoy!

- Rob

3/06/08

Slow Motion Soundz UPDATE

Okay...so let's get deep with this. We'd only scratched the surface. Slow Motion Soundz are just getting warmed up it seems. Now all the big commercial releases, Wayne, Bun B, Usher etc. are out of the way - it's time to direct your focus to Alabama - Huntsville to be exact. You know how much we love our slow and low hip-hop here at Southern Hospitality and to be honest these guys are making the kind of music that previously only existed in our minds. Peep the myspace for evidence, and basically...stay tuned.

- Rob

31/5/08

Starting 5

Damn....who'd be a rapper these days? Wayne seems to be the only dude who people care about. Nas and the rest of the oldies still plough on with the nonsense in order to sell records, whilst RnB continues to seriously kick they ass! As ever though if you look under the radar there's always something popping and a few new cliques and crews are starting to find their sound. You've already got the mix below - so I'll let that music speak for itself. Instead, here are our Top 5 rappers that people may actually start caring about soon.

1. Lil Boosie

2. B.O.B.

3. Playboy Tre

4.Turf Talk (that's right - people are STILL sleeping)

5. Shawty Redd (now he's decided to start rapping)

- Rob

27/5/08

The Future of Hip-Hop

We've been so busy recently, the output from the Southern Hospitality has been hectic - that's why we've not updated the site in a while, but don't worry - we have more than made up for it. This mix from Rob Breezy will quite literally blow your mind. More dopeness from Slow Motion Soundz coming very soon...Huntsville Alabama is the future.

'Huntsville Hollabama'

'Bama Gettin' Money' – Paper Route Gangstaz

'Big Bodies Big Wheels' – Slow Motion Soundz

'Soul Glo' – Hood Headlinerz feat. Lil St. Louis

'Bubble Or Box' – Chico, Dawgy Baggz, Technique, Jhi Ali, Big P.O.P.E. & D. Hewitt

'Natural' – Slow Motion Soundz

'Naturals II' – Slow Motion Soundz

'Wood Grain' – Paper Route Gangstaz

'Rollin' – Jackie Chain & Jhi Ali

'All Gets Old' – Jhi Ali

'Grind Baby' – X.O. feat. CeeCee

'Ice Kisses' – G-Side feat. Adrienne

'Lacs and Prices (RMX)' – Slow Motion Soundz feat. T.I.

'Blinded By The Light' – Jackie Chain

'The Streets' – Mata

'Do My Thing' – G-Side

'Alabama' – Jhi Ali

'Bama Gettin' Money (Diplo Remix)' – Paper Route Gangstaz

Download the mix here

- Rix

30/4/08

May Music Shots

Right...we're tired of waiting for Keri Hilson's full-length, Tha Carter III and another Dream LP in about 2009 or whenever it's due - but luckily there's loads of good singles keeping us motivated right about now. 'A Millie' b/w 'Lollipop' is the best double A-side for a hot minute, whilst Static Major's solo joint feat. Weezy is maybe better than both - R.I.P Static for real. Kells is holding it down with 'Hairbraider' , whilst that Mariah and Marley track remains the big sleeper hit from her album. We're learning the 'Rolex Sweep' (well..it's not that hard is it) and G-Unit 'Rider' is still the amped record of choice. ATL keeps crushing the competition with new group Dear Jayne about to change the game and a returning T.I. sounding like he did back on 'I'm Serious' (and that beat!). We also still can't get C-Side and that Warren G joint out of our head, but are hoping to replace it with this new classic from Busy Signal. The summer starts here.

- Rob

22/04/08

Southern Hospitality mixtape archive series #1

This week we take you back to 2004 with 'Lessons in Crunk' for those of you who didn't check for the crunk sound at the time, consider this mix the only one you'll EVER need!

Cop that ish here

- Rix

22/04/08

Southern Hospitality @ The Social - This Friday

It's really very simple. It's Friday. It's a chance to hear a whole evening of dope upfront music and plenty of classics. It's FREE! Come party with myself and Superix here. Special guest appearance from DJ 'One Hope One Vision' - with the gems early doors.

- Rix

21/04/08

Respect Your Elders

You know what? That Madonna LP is pretty dope. Yeah, we know it's all down to Timbo, Danja and Pharell, but 'Hard Candy' will be getting plenty of run round these parts - especially 'She's Not Me', 'Beat Goes On' and 'Dance 2 Night' - grooves are insane. They even make her sound like a young'un again. Good work lads.

- Rob

21/04/08

Weezy 'F' Baby

Now you can all make up your own minds what the 'f' stands for after watching this interview with Semtex (who handles one of hip-hop's thankless tasks well to be fair - Wayne begun this style of interview back in 2004 in Murder Dog magazine), but on the real - amidst all his lean influenced nonsense - it is about the music. Let's get back to that - magazines, radio, TV, internet - forget all the paparazzi nonsense. On that note, forget the thousand mix-CDs and whatever that Wayne is all over and go and cop 'Lights Out', 'Tha Carter', Tha Carter II' and'Like Father Like Son' - real albums with real tracks available in real shops that are real good. PSA over.

19/04/08

Rocking non-stop on your radio!

Last night Superix premiered the new Southern Hospitality All Star Mix for 1Xtra on MistaJam's dope Friday night show. Listen to Rix break down his pause tape game, the SH philosophy and even keep the host waiting whilst he gets a cup of tea - just joking Rix! Props to MistaJam for playing through the intro to the mix as a little taster and props to 1Xtra for the love.You can hear the full mix tonight and for the rest of the week. Expect to hear everything from Outkast to Estelle to Mac Dre to DJ Quik to Weezy to Turf Talk to...like we always say - you know the names!

15/04/08

HHK - This Thursday April 17th @ The Social

This month promises to be a roadblock - lots of returning heroes. Get there early for the best seat (standing position!) and enjoy! If you don't know where to go - just click this link or the one above for details!

14/04/08

Return To The 90s Part 2

Okay...so here's the second of those pod ready 90s playlists. In fact - holler if you need any of these as MP3s and I'll be more than happy to oblige. This time it's...

Regional Rap Monsters:

These songs may now be claimed by hip-hop as a whole, however, it was regionally where they gathered steam and are, to this day, the embodiment of the regions that spawned them.

‘Bling Bling’ – B.G.

- Yes, there really was a time when it wasn’t embarrassing to use this word.

‘I Got 5 On It’ – The Luniz

- This beat is now officially part of the DNA of anybody even vaguely into West Coast hip-hop.

‘Hay’ – Crucial Conflict

“Haaay…in the middle of the faaarrmm” – could only have come out of the Midwest at the time.

‘I’m Bout It, Bout It’ – TRU

- Spitting a hot sixteen in 90s New Orleans just didn’t cut it. Boasts and threats and an eerie synth line were more the order of the day.

‘Pocket Full Of Stones’ – UGK

- If ‘Sucker MCs’ is the track of reference for NY B-Boys, this will always be the drug of choice for Down South D-Boys.

 ‘Players Ball’ – Outkast

- Country rap finds its commercial voice on a single recorded for a Christmas album!

 ‘Ha’ – Juvenile

- Porch talk gains national exposure after running New Orleans for years.

‘Thuggish Ruggish Bone’ – Bone Thugs N Harmony

- Almost unfathomable to those raised on Melle Mel, but like second nature to kids from the Midwest hood.

‘Captain Save A Hoe’ – E-40 featuring The Click

- The Bay’s most loved starts defining the slanguistics that the whole world will copy – including Davina McCall.

‘Po Pimp’ – Do Or Die feat. Johnny P and Twista

- The one-two punch with Bone Thugs featuring Twista’s second coming – the first time round.

09/04/08

Fast Forward To The Future

Okay...if I've spent the last month in writing looking back - musically we're back to the future. Here's a little mix I did live at the weekend - mistakes, splashing bass the lot! It all adds to it in my opinion. Either way with loads of exciting new music popping off - this mix goes hard! Thought I'd share it with you. Cheers.Rob

'No Fear For The Future'

01.   'I'm So High' – Grind Mode

02.   'Drifter' – Shawty Redd

03.   'Boyfriend Girlfriend' – C-Side feat. Keyshia Cole

04.   'Shoulda Let You Go (Remix)' – Keyshia Cole

05.   'American Boy (TS7 Remix)' – Estelle

06.   'Sensual Seduction (Wideboys Mix)' – Snoop

07.   'It's A Lot' – A1 Bassline

08.   'Gonna Be Mine' – T2 feat. Addictive

09.   'Say Yeah' – Wiz Khalifa

10.   'Lollipop' – Lil Wayne

11.   'Gotta Eat' – Flo-Rida

12.   '2 Pieces' – Jimi Jump

13.   'Throne' – Princess of Crime Mob

14.   'Don't I Act A Donkey' – Lil Boosie

15.   'The Boss' – Rick Ross feat. T-Pain, Lil Wayne, Red Cafe and Fabolous

16.   'Sets Up' – Snoop

17.   'East Oakland' – Yukmouth feat. Bay All Stars

18.   'Live My Life' – Shawty Lo feat. Kool Ace

19.   'SF Anthem' – San Quinn

20.   'Fuck You' – B.O.B. feat. Lil Boosie and D.G. Yola

21.   Bonus track – Jay-Z's official retirement 

Get the madness here!

09/04/08

We Love The 90s- Hip Hop Connection

This month's Hip Hop Connection is a super-special 90s dedication and is a corking read from start to finish! Not only are there great interviews and pieces with D.I.T.C., Guru, Fondle 'Em Records, DJ Premier, The Native Tongues, Main Source, Kwest tha Madd Ladd and so much more, you have 100 essential 90s tracks compliled and broken down into neat categories by yours truly aka me! You could do worse than whack these in your MP3 playlist right now and enjoy what the 90s REALLY sounded like (don't let anyone who wasn't there tell you otherwise!). I've also taken time to break down 90s promotion and classic rap/soul collabos from the definitive era, along with the regular columns and reviews. This month Snoop gets The Editor treatment, reducing the album to a ruthless 10 tracks, and I explain why Lil Wayne may have just been better before people started pretending to care. All in all it's a great issue - and the free mag 'The Original' is going from strength to strength. Check it out!

Cheers

Rob

In the meantime...you can start putting together that playlist now with the first of the top tens:

One Hit Wonders:

Yeah, a couple of these technically made it past true one-hit status, but ultimately their whole careers didn’t add up to more than this one shining moment – a moment where their joint was THE joint. Most however, had to find other careers.

‘Gangsta Bitch’ – Apache

- Blatant racism on the subsequent LP halted the momentum of this Q-Tip produced MTV favourite.

‘Broken Language’ – Smooth Da Hustler feat. Trigga Tha Gambler

- Over one of those beats that DJs couldn’t resist doubling, the new slanguistics tag-team burned brightly, but briefly.

‘Whutcha Want?’ – Nine

- Gravelly voiced Nine found the perfect accompaniment in mellow strings and a ridiculously bumping beat.

‘Danger’ – Blahzay Blahzay

- Cut up Jeru and Q-Tip in the chorus of a song that lopes along like some abstract reggae throwback and you have an instant East Coast classic.

‘Ghetto Jam’ – Domino

- “Here we go, here we go” – Domino encourages a generation of rappers to try their hand at singing.

‘Where My Homiez’ – Ill Al Skratch

- NY begins taking its cues from the West Coast – slow and simple and the money rolls in.

‘Wild For Da Night’ – Rampage

- Had NY in such a chokehold at the time, there are some die-hards still talking about Rampage as the future.

‘Under The Sun’ – Joe Sinister

- Def Jam were trying anything that worked during this era – and this did. For about a month.

‘Mad Izm’ – Channel Live

- At the time it was passed hip-hop law that all freestyles must be performed over this beat.

‘It Don’t Matter’ – Ten Thieves

- Fluid off-beat flows and Group Home samples were rarely done better. Also sampled Q-Tip – a man whose name has appeared a worrying amount of times on this short list.

08/04/08

Hip Hop Karaoke and Southern Hospitality - Upcoming!

Things are winding themselves up again as the Summer approaches. As well as Glastonbury, Hip Hop Karaoke and Southern Hospitality are going to be representing at the Gatecrasher Summer Sound System - rocking the VIP room alongside Guilty Pleasuresand other assorted merriment. We may be at the bottom of the poster - but we're in a bigger font than Pete Tong. Take that Tongy!

Also it looks like The Big Chill and Bestival are set to be blessed by the unique experience of HHK - so more news on that soon.

In the meantime, the next few weeks are keeping us busy. Next Thursday sees the latest HHK event @ The Social - props to Carlos, Marie and Bona for holding us down.

This is followed quickly by our Friday night throwdown at DEX in Brixton - props to our man Dj Dub.

I'll then be getting up at the crack of dawn to hold it down for the families at Baby Loves Disco @ The Clapham Grandfor the best afternoon out in London - big respect to Naomi, Sandra, Brijiite and all the crew down there - you're doing a great job!!!

Hope to see you all and if you can't make our nights - make this one promoted by our homeboy DJ 'The Last' Hope. Showcasing the best in new talent, this is going from strength to strength.

On the music front we got more and more mixes coming for you - including the official release of Superix' opus - so stay tuned!

Until then...

Rob

06/04/08

Quiet Storm Mix

It's Sunday. It's been snowing. It's cold. I'm staying in. Things are just generally moving at a slow pace today. So in honour of that, thought I'd post an old Soul mix I did for those downtempo moments in life. It's strictly recorded live (mistakes, sloppiness, the lot) and is strictly for the lovers out there - you know who you are. Enjoy - and look out for more free music and mixes coming soon! Cheers - Rob

Quiet Storm Mix:

1. 'At Your Best' - Aaliyah

2. 'Lay Your Head On My Pillow' - Tony Toni Tone

3. 'Don't Give Up On Love' - Rick James

4. 'I Wanna Be Your Man' - Zapp

5. 'Confessions' - Usher

6. 'Love U 4 Life' - Jodeci

7. 'Varee Is Love' - Ohio Players

8. 'Refuge (Live)' - John Legend

9. 'No One Will' - Cody ChesnuTT

10. 'I Remember' - Keyshia Cole

11. 'Just Because I Really Love You' - Jerry Butler

12. 'Know That I' - Alice Smith

13. 'Take Me Back To Then' - Bobby Caldwell

14. 'Midnight' - Omarion

15. 'Don't Say Goodnight' - Isley Brothers

16. 'Look At Me' - Main Ingredient

17. 'Lovers Rock' - Sade

18. 'I Know What Love's About' - Anthony Hamilton

19. 'Your Joy' - Chrisette Michelle

20. 'Smokin Room' - Rufus and Chaka Khan

21. 'Angels (Live)' - Robin Thicke

Feel The romance HERE!

30/3/08

The G Child

...has returned. For those who slept on Warren G's fairly dope Lp from a couple of years ago and the seriously dope 213 album - he's back with this - Mr. President. Everything from the message, to the beat and to the addictively simple hook just feels right. His rapper mates are no joke too!

NEWSFLASH: Damn, it's so good, Rix has just added it to number 1 in the Top 10>>>

29/03/08

Last night...

Was a great night last night at Southern Hospitality at the Social. Have to give a big thankyou to 'DJ Only Hope' representing Soul Butter on the early doors - he did a great job, the place stayed packed right up to 1am - sorry we coudln't go on longer - you know we'd have loved to.

27/03/08

The Love Movement

As the old saying goes, we don't hate, but congratulate at Southern Hospitality. So as the weekend's nearly here and the weather has simply got to stabilise into constant sunshine soon (right??), we're gonna take a moment to share some of our loves (apart from our nearest and dearest of course). Here goes:

1. DJ Quik

2. Bobby Womack, Marvin Gaye, Barry White, The Delfonics, The Temptations, The...oh well, you know the names!

3. Barbecued Meat (if this chart were in order - it could quite easily be top)

4. Outkast

5. Zane 10 Soul Comps

6. The Dream (did we mention this?)

7. Murder Dog Magazine

8. Jordans (that one's on you Rix)

9. Ice Cube 1989 - 1992

10. Mr. West (yeah along with everyone else - but let's be honest this decade is his)

24/03/08

Southern Hospitality @The Social - This Friday 28th March

This Friday we return. For lovers of the most cutting edge and classic hip-hop and rnb based club music then we got you. Come check us out for Free! That's right - FREE! Guaranteed quality and you can find us here right in the middle on central London! View the flyer here

24/03/08

Vibe Music

So, that's what they're calling it huh? Not sure how long that label will last, but the 'movement' spearheaded by Grind Mode, Shawty Redd, Ballgreezy and the rest is the most exciting thing popping off at the moment. Yeah, it may be a re-branding of an old sound (much like Niche with Garage), but tracks like 'I'm So High', Superstar and 'Drifter' are in constant rotation around these parts - damn one track even references our boy The Dream already! Shawty Redd could be a problem this year, as that joint 'Going Going Gone' may be this year's best song so far. Watch this space.

17/03/08

Dilla For Days

Check out my dedication to Jay Dee aka Jay Dilla in this month's Hip Hop Connection - in fact make a CD of these joints I picked to remember him by and you'll be straight. I did and it just reminded me of his great contribution to hip-hop - particularly his 90s sound (look out for a 90s special coming soon!). I also took the time to edit down the Lupe Fiasco LP for a far less indulgent listen, this month in my new column titled quite appropriately The Editor, as well as reminiscing on Ultras. Damn they were good.

17/03/08

DEX - Brixton

Things are starting to pop off down there. Kosher has brought back 'Off Da Rocks' with his man DJ Snips - which is set to be the classic monthly jump-off for those who like it hype! Superix played at the debut night and made me sore I missed it as it sounded like the kind of mayhem I like. With Kosher on the mic - there's really no other option but to get involved - the man is a legend in the game! Looking forward to checking the next one, for real.

In the meantime - THIS Friday, Dex also plays host to Southern Hospitality and our extended fam - DJ Dub (www.djdub.co.uk) and Frampster (www.myspace.com/djframpster) - alongside myself, Rob (you don't really need the website - as you're here!). As well as that we are hosting the launch of something special - more details coming this week - but until then - here's the info that count, how to get there!

17/03/08

No one Ever Really Dies

If we look back on this decade there are a handful of LPs that for a hot minute took over our lives. You know, those kind of LPs that instantly make everything else seem a little stale - not wack - just well...not as fresh anymore. Ones that spring to mind are Jigga's 'Blueprint', David Banner's 'Mississippi', Kanye's 'College Dropout' (and 'Late Registration' for that matter), Andre's 'The Love Below' and more recently The Dream's 'Love Hate'. One that can definitely be added to this category is N.E.R.D. - 'In Search Of...' I remember at the time playing the original electronic version and thinking on first listen - is this what I was expecting? Of course it wasn't and that's what made it so dope. Soon, no other CD would do. Seriously, there was some pretty hot music around at the time, but none had that crack factor like this. That live version only extended the run this got to be honest and if there was a track I didn't play off that LP when DJing I don't know what it was? The second Lp was cool - and props to Pharell and Chad for trying to push things forward - but never quite matched the moment of the first. Nonetheless, it's good to see them back right now - in a climate that they virtually created- with some truly mental and seemingly hard music if this clip from SXSW is anything to go by. Wish I was there this week as there's some exciting stuff popping off by the sounds of it and loads of good people in attendance - props to Dan Greenpeace, DJ Eleven, Cosmo, Ayres and the rest. Instead I'll be recreating it in my living room with my wife, daughter and a combination of Vampire Weekend and Lil Keke in the CD changer.

12/03/08

Grindin'

We're loving that Florida sound right now - it's all about those arpeggiated synths, mane. Of course, Flo-Rida's dropped his LP with a similar (but bigger) sound than Shawty Lo's recent one and Rick Ross is repping the movement on a few joints from his. Also Wayne's living there now so he's getting involved with 'Lollipop' - which is way more advanced than you may think on a cursory listen - this is gonna run and run. However, if you want the real deal get familiar with Grind Mode and their cut 'I'm So High'. We call many things the future around these parts - but this just may be it.

10/03/08

Heads Up, cause they're droppin' some...

Our good buddy DJ Dub is back at Ruby Lo this week with his night Heads Up - alongside none other than DJ Frampster. These guys know how to run through music genres - so expect eclecticism with class and a good deal of BASS! If you don't know where it is - check here.

10/03/08

2008 really has begun.

So it seems like 2008 is beginning to wind up on the musical front - Snoop's LPs out, Bun B and Wayne are coming (pause) and Keri Hilson remains the most anticipated round these parts. The shift has happened though - Neptunes and Timbo are doing their thing - but Polow, Tricky Stewart, T-Pain, Shawty Redd, Terrace Martin etc. are the future.If Nas says Hip Hop Is Dead, maybe he has a point? Maybe the new dope just hasn't got a name yet? But Nas, if hip-hop is dead? Please don't release another LP.

For Southern Hospitality and Hip Hop Karaoke 2008 is off to a great start. The Social now has two guarenteed jump-offs a month for all you lovers of hip-hop and RnB from all eras. Look out also for me (Rob) to be popping up at the Baby Loves Disco events currently at The Clapham Grand,but in danger of some serious expansion very soon. Superix has completed the don of all mixtapes and the launch party for that is being readied as we speak. The festivals are on lock this year from Glastonbury to Gatecrasher (er...I realise that's the same letter, but the music policy isn't!) - and we're gonna be hosting some special parties very soon.

Look out for new mixes and news coming on the regular from now - you gotta forgive me a new baby is no joke!

26/02/08

Double Up

Thanks to all those people that made it down to the Southern Hospitality double header at the Social last weekend, both nights were rammed and we enjoyed every minute of it. For those of you who missed out (and for those who need a re-run) of the Hip Hop karaoke performances, check out our youtube channel here

21/02/08

Nump Trump!

...is back! Sick Wid It are hitting 2008 with a vengeance, E-40's 'Tha Ball Sreet Journal' is primed and ready to go (ya heard 'turf Drop'??? Crazy) and now the official return of Nump - with a ridiculous new video. Still not getting their props, The Bay is doing its thing regardless and we love 'em for it. All we need is Turf Talk to hit again and it's on.

20/02/08

Mixtape Classic

In case you missed it the first time round, Fat Lace Mag are giving away our 'Rappers Have Feelings Too' mix-CD that we did a year or so back with top journo Andrew Emery. If you're a fan of mellow introspective hip-hop with rappers expressing their feelings - then this is for you! Plus...it's FREE!

20/02/08

HHK and Southern Hospitality Double Header!

We're taking over The Social not for one night only - but 2 nights only!!! Check us out tomorrow, Thursday, at Hip Hop Karaoke and then join us on Friday for the monthly Southern Hospitality night. Gonna be good! Here if you're not sure where it is.

09/02/08

Late 80's Hip Hop

If you are a fan of 80's hip-hop - Our main man DJ Dee-Ville from California (via Sheffield & Barnsley has a great blog with a great series of mixtapes. You have to go and check them out, don't expect any Q-Bert scratching - but DO expect some fantasic tracks both rare and not so rare. Click here for more

08/02/08

Talent Trek

The Blag Club Notting Hill Gate will play host to Futuresounds, an acoustic night featuring performances from artists featured on ArtistandRepertoire.co.uk on Wednesday 27th Feburary.

05/02/08

Three Times dope

Congrats to the Breezy famalam with the arrival of their new baby girl!

22/01/08

Chi-Town in this bitch

Still loving Kanye's 'Flashing Lights' like us? Still loving Kells' music despite his mentalness and potential incarceration, like us? Well here you have the perfect combo. If this ain't official it should be.

18/01/08

George Harrison's best mate

Our good buddy DJ Dub is currently tearing up the clubs with his Baltimore version of 'Got My Mind Set On You'. Featured on the 'Chedda' EP, along with our other good buddy Ayres (congrats on the baby sir!!!) it's currently the number one seller on Turntable Lab- get your copy now www.turntablelab.com

18/01/08

The American Dream

We're a couple of weeks into 2008 and there's still no music to replace The Dream's 'Love Hate' in our many systems. Dope from start to finish, it's the new Jodeci, Kells, Aaliyah all rolled into one. Someone's been saying it's the best RnB LP of the decade and they're right. That's cause it was us.

18/01/08

HHK Last Night...

...was ridiculous! One of the best nights ever and amazing considering it was a rainy night in January. Special props to Marc who dragged himself off his death-bed to come and host the night as only he can! Also a special shout to our winner Baby Killa - who was one step from insanity during his incredible Wu-Tang performance.

01/01/08

Happy New Year - Free Mix CD for all!

Happy New Year to one and all. Last night at the Social was off the chain, thanks go to Carl for hooking us up with one of the best new years eve parties we have had for a long, long time. Thanks also go to our elite HHK host Marc Choice for doing such a sterling job and of course, to everyone who came down. So to reward you, DJ Superix has got a fantastic treat for you, 'The Hits You Missed 2007' - all the great radio show tracks we played you over the year 2007 and also a few last minute entries that made the cut.

Download your copy HERE

Full tracklisting:

01 Brand New Funk 2K7 - DJ Jazzy Jeff Feat. Peedi Peedi
02 Roll On Out - Zion I Feat. C. Holiday & Mac Dre
03 So Don't Go There - MC Eiht
04 Nostaligia - Marco Polo Feat. Masta Ace
05 Streets Done Changed - Yukmouth, Rydah J. Klyde & Fed-X
06 Bangin' West Coast - Soopafly
07 All We Smoke - Kurupt & J Wells
08 Corporate Thuggin' - Young Jeezy Presents U.S.D.A.
09 Feel Great - Johnny Cash (RIP) (Ft. San Quinn, Peanut & Lil' Quinn
10 Where Are They Now (West Coast Remix) NAS Feat. Breeze, Kam, King Tee, Candyman, etc...
11 Nobody Do It Better - Keith Murray Feat. Junior & Tyrese
12 Mess You Made - Sean Price Feat. Block Mccloud Of Brooklyn Academy
13 Holy Moly - Talib Kweli
14 The Radar (RMX) - Marco Polo Feat. Large Professor
15 Bring The Base Back - Turf Talk
16 Turn Up the Bump - 8 Ball and MJG
17 100 Years - Plies
18 Circles - Crime Mob
19 Beneath The Diamonds - DJ Drama Feat. Devin The Dude, Twista, LA The Darkman & Mr. Porter
20 Heaven - UGK (RIP Pimp C)
21 So Good - The Fixxers Feat. Rich Boy
22 Reppin' The Streets - Freeway
23 I Just Wanna Tell U - Lil' Flip
24 What A Job - Devin The Dude Feat. Snoop Dogg & Andre 3000
25 Sky is falling (Unreleased version) - Sway
26 Nuthin' 2 A Boss - Trae Feat. Slim Thug
27 So Special - David Banner

17/12/07

Do not miss!

2 dates for all your diaries. First up, Southern Hospitality are spinning with DJ Dub this week at Dex in Brixton, for all those that don't know, its London's newest and most talked about night spot. Also New Years eve at the Social bar is going to be our final jump off of the year and our first jump off of the new year! Come early to get to see the Hip Hop Karaoke, and stay late (until 3am!) to hear us play all our favourite cuts of the year and of course your favourite throwback classics alongside the guys from Broader than Broadway. For tickets click here, but be fast, they are selling faster than the Nintendo Wi.

13/12/07

Lupe juice...

Preview the whole of the new Lupe Fiasco album here Hopefully this will be the final version and not have another 'Daydreamin' type track on.

04/12/07

One sad Day...

R.I.P. Chad Butler AKA Pimp C. Half of one of the most pioneering southern rap groups ever, UGK. As big fans of UGK, we are hugely sad to hear this news.

04/12/07

Hold Ya Head Spice

Bay Area legend Spice 1 has been shot - is in critical condition - but hopefully will pull through. For those unfamiliar, here's him at his peak. After all Lupe likes him more than A Tribe Called Quest

27/11/07

Dramarama

DJ 'The F**K' Drama has gone and done it with this one. Making about a million times more sense than Khaled's guest heavy showcase, 'Gangsta Grillz' contains the necessary balance of thoughtful forward thinking hip-hop and of course ignorant fight music. Better yet, it sounds MASSIVE and much like Jeezy's first album will be the only CD that you can currently be playing in your Hummer if you want to retain any sort of dignity. Cannon!

21/11/07

Player Hiatus

It's been a long time...etc. - you know how it goes. However, we're back from handling B.I. and no longer listening to T.I. to remind you that this Friday is Southern Hospitality @ The Social. Rob Breezy and Tom Hickey (our Sheffield connect) will be running through the party jams, the new dances, the old dances and the Urban Riverdances from 7pm - 1am. Even better it's free! Directions at  www.thesocial.com - see ya there.

21/11/07

Roc Out With Your Coc out

Freeway is bizack and he's amazingly still hot! Despite years of label wrangling and the Roc A Fella fall out - he has remained a true survivor. As has his beard - check out the debate at www.fatlacemagazine.com

20/11/07

Sam's Records, Tokyo

If you are ever in Tokyo, you should really try to check this spot out, Sam's Records has not only a huge stash of rare and deleted albums on CD, they damn near have the entire Rap-A-Lot records back catalogue on vinyl too. Check the site here

5/11/07

Steady Giggin'

The question? Can you dance a whole song and not spill it?

5/11/07

Rap and Bullshit?

Was chatting to my boy Sinden yesterday and we both agreed that right now RnB is killing it. Say what you like about it's corniness or whatever, but at the moment there are tunes for days and T-Pain is seemingly involved in about half of them. Kells is still keeping it fresh and not only that, but Mario, J. Holiday, Trey Songz and particularly Chris Brown are coming with some adventurous stuff. Then you've got The Dream locking down the commercial market and that new Mary J. joint is no joke either. I got to be honest and say hip-hop needsto step its game up right now - Lil Wayne better come correct this fourth quarter otherwise that idiot Nas may have had something of a point last year.

1/11/07

Mac Dre - T.I.P.

November 1st (aka today) marks the day we lost the No. 1 Cuddie Mac Dre. Show your love by either a) buying an official Mac Dre pendant from Rap Bay b) putting on 'Fellin Myself' and giggin in your living room or c) simply throwing up a 'T' for Mac D.R.E. - Thizz In Peace Andre.

28/10/07

Tokyo represent represent...

DJ Superix will be holding it down for Southern Hospitality in the far east (even further east than Brick Lane!) in Tokyo, Japan next month, exact dates and locations up soon.

27/10/07

Last night...

It was another great night at the Social, thanks to everyone who made it down, good to see all the guys who used to frequent our Electricity Showrooms night too, especially our number one cuddie on the two turntables, Tom Hickey. We're back every 4th Friday of every month - so if you couldn't make it down last night, there's always next month.

25/10/07

The Bay Is Back!

You know we love The Bay Area at Southern Hospitality, and this month has brought so many new reasons to continue doing so. First we had The Federation LP, which slaaaaaapped!! Then we had a new influx of Thizz action, with the ridiculous Sleep Dank LP and J-Diggs rocking out with his cock out on Thizz Nation 17. Messy Marv isn't letting a jail cell stop him either coming with an amazing new comp - and to top it all off The Pack finally arrive with their long-awaited 'Based Boys'. Support the movement, by copping all this here at Rap Bay - where the CORRECT money goes to the artists. Roll on November 20th for perhaps the Bay release of the year - San Quinn!

24/10/07

Poor 'Pac

Has the goodwill  for the most lionised rapper in history finally ran out? It would appear so.

24/10/07

American Gangster Snippets!

Make your mind up about Jigga's new (read: old) direction with snippets of his new LP 'American Gangster' here. Sounds good to these ears, but not sure how Hurricane Chris fans will feel about it.

23/10/07

Trae the Truth

The re-incarnation of 'Pac is back with a new LP 'Life Goes On'. Even though he gets a little caught up with the features this time round, you simply can't go  wrong with cuts like'Nuthin 2 A Boss' with a re-energised Slim Thug and'Give My Last Breath'. With the Screwed Up Click dropping like flies (thoughts out to Big Moe), Trae is holding it down once again.

16/10/07

Hip Hop Karaoke London - Channel 4

All you rhymers, get your hair crimped, pimped and er...washed. You may just get on Channel 4's website. As ever get there early as it seems to be getting more and more busy as the months pass. If you've not yet been - get yourself down to The Social, Little Portland Street, London this Thursday 18th October - and yes, it's still FREE!

15/10/07

Top 10 Updated

Now we can start to get excited about that Jay-Z LP after all.

15/10/07

Hip Hop Karaoke NYE Special

The rumours were true...it looks like it's going ahead. More details coming soon.

15/10/07

The 80's Ladies

Regardless of whether you get the rare-groove reference of the title - you really need to get yourself over to Fat Lace Magazine for some fantastically edumacating fatcs about pre-90s female rappers and also some great music from the pioneers in question.  Whilst you're there check out the archive section for more goodness Fat Lace style and an hilarious piece about everyone's favourite misunderstood rapper Lupe Fiasco.

10/10/07

Kent Uni Represent, Represent

Whilst it wasn't the busiest gig on the Malibu Soundclash tour that we're currently deep into - these cats sang the loudest and just generally acted right. Props to Emily and all over in Canterbury for my favourite night yet.

10/10/07

Alabama's finest

Look we know Rich Boy ain't the new Rakim, but armed with beats by Polow Da Don he's made one of the sleeper cuts of the year. Thank the lord someone at the label had the sense to release the gem that is 'Let's Get This Paper'

10/10/07

Store update...

We've updated the store. Get your very early Christmas shop on with our limited "Treacherous Tee" shirt now available. Also, there will be new SH Tee's available for the end of the week.

05/10/07

Nasir We Go Again

The most frustratingly inconsistent man in hip-hop music is sounding rather good again, by keeping it simple. Soul sample, nice beat - Nas reminiscing. Not that difficult now is it? The excellent Spine Magazine have got the goods for you - along with Zaid's neat witticisms.

05/10/07

Southern Hospitality and Hip Hop Karaoke Tonight @ Plan, B

We return once again at Plan B as the success of the night continues to grow. Pairing up once again with the classic Friday night Fidgit, last month was great, and once again thanks to all those who represented - especially the performers.

Routine remains the same:

1. Sign up from 9pm

2. The night is hosted as ever, by your favourite host's favourite host Marc Choice

3. Music supplied by us of course - Southern Hospitality

4. Talent supplied by you! It's FREE before 11 - see ya there

More info here: www.myspace.com/hiphopkaraokelondon

04/10/07

Web lockdown

Not only is Southern Hospitality up and (100 miles) and running, but so is the simply marvellous Fat lace Magazine aka the funniest and most edumacating hip-hop site on the web. Peep Eminem freestyling in the bog with Percee P, Rappers' Retirement Homes, and the state of Bay Area hip-hop sales, to name just a few of the pieces on offer. Oh yeah - and 50 getting his Dick Van Dyke on. Don't sleep.

03/10/07

Southern Hospitality's October

Right...with our residencies increasing seemingly by the week, we're multi-tasking hard at SH. Here's where we're gonna be over the next few weeks:

• Friday 5th - Plan B (w/HHK and All City)

• Monday 8th - University Of Kent

• Thursday 11th - University Of Hull

• Friday 12th - Heriot Watt University

• Saturday 13th - University Of Edinburgh

• Wednesday 17th - Royal Holloway University

• Thursday 18th - Hip Hop Karaoke London @ The Social

• Friday 19th - University Of Portsmouth

• Saturday 20th - University Of Plymouth

• Sunday 21st - Baby Loves Disco @ The Clapham Grand

• Thursday 25th - De Montfort University

• Friday 26th - Teeside University

• Friday 26th - Southern Hospitality @ The Social

• Saturday 27th- University Of Lincoln

03/10/07

Pied Piper Marathon

If you're having Kells withdrawals after the completion of the latest installments of 'Trapped In The Closet'- fear not. My man Matthew Africa has complied an epic R Kelly double CD - and I mean epic! Covering Robert in all his manifestations, and expertly mixed and selected, this is the ultimate starting or finishing point for any R.Kellyfans or recent converts. If you heard his dope Too Short one with DJ Eleven - well he takes it to the max this time - and has you overdosing on Kells' genius. Props.

02/10/07

Keak Sneaks Back

Just when you think he's counted out as the Hyphy movement hits the wall, Keak Da Sneak returns - and now he's acting like it's 1992 all over again. Check out "In Front Of Yo Mamma's House" for the kind of track you would have found on Above The Law's second album. Doper than soaper on a roaper.

01/10/07

Crank Dat...

Man..they just keep coming. Here's a round-up of the biggest out there including the soon to be classic Crank Dat Spider Pig (!) and Crank Dat X Man. So get your video cameras ready, clear a bit of space in your living room and after three..."Professor X y'all/Get out that chuur!"

01/10/07

Federation Return!

They're back. Shame it wasn't 2006 - but either way Federation are bizack like crizack. If you want some real adventurous Bay Area music, they should be your first port of call. "Rick Rock, make the beat knock"

01/10/07

Hip Hop Karaoke South - This Friday 5th October, Brixton

We return once again at Plan B, alongside our main homie Dan Greenpeace, as the success of the night continues to grow. Pairing up once again with the classic Friday night Fidgit, last month was great, and once again thanks to all those who represented - especially the performers.

Routine remains the same:

1. Sign up from 9pm

2. The night is hosted as ever, by your favourite host's favourite host Marc Choice

3. Music supplied by us of course - Southern Hospitality

4. Talent supplied by you! It's FREE before 11 - see ya there

More info here: www.myspace.com/hiphopkaraokelondon

30/09/07

Weekend round up

Major props to everyone who came through Southern Hospitality at The Social. Thanks again to Tom Hickey (aka Your Favourite DJ's Favourite DJ) for holding it down with your boy Superix. Special thanks to all the guys from Sheffield & the Bay area representatives who were turf dancing all night! We're back every 4th Friday of every month - so fill in those diaries now. Also we've got to shout out the people of Aston University for knowing how to party on Saturday night. Seems like every University has a core of people who know all the new dances now and Aston was no exception. Word to the snappers!

29/09/07

Thug'n'B

Is J. Holiday the new Jahiem? We think so. Click here
Trey Songz must be pissed that he's already gonna be replaced as the Thug'n'B of choice, and on the real J. Holiday is no joke. - that 'Without You' is Rodney's best in a while.

28/09/07

Ayo Sociology...

Whilst myself and Kosher are slogging up and down the country playing T-Pain, Soulja Boy and occasionally The Klaxons to rooms full of students, Superix is keeping it classy as ever, holding down our favourite night, Southern Hospitality at The Social with our No. 1 cuddie Tom Hickey. Remember people, this is maybe the only night in London where you'll hear Cheryl Lynn share equal billing with Nump!

27/09/07

Top ten...

Our top ten list has been updated. Kanye's still on top of things.

27/09/07

Thizz is how we do it...

The New site is up and running! Allbe it with a few small tweaks to make, we'll be blogging almost everyday, keeping you in the loop with what we are doing, and giving you our opinion on all things hip hop. There will be links to all the new radio shows right here first, and we'll also be giving you yet more free music with a downloadable mix every now and then. So while you ain't waching our feet - you can watch this space!